Bruce Springsteen Reacts to Jeremy Allen White’s Portrayal: ‘When Did I Get That Good-Looking?’

In a captivating evening hosted at Spotify’s London offices, Bruce Springsteen surprised attendees by joining actor Jeremy Allen White on stage. The event featured a focus on the critical moments of Springsteen’s life and career, particularly during the making of his 1982 album, Nebraska, which is central to Scott Cooper’s upcoming film, “Deliver Me From Nowhere.” The film stars White as Springsteen, reflecting on the intricate process of embodies the rock icon.
Springsteen’s Thoughts on White’s Preparation
Springsteen recounted the first time he encountered White at Wembley Stadium during the summer of 2024. Despite the pressure, White had immersed himself in Springsteen’s music and history, leading to a unique bond between the two. “I thought this guy is really gonna be interested in me,” Springsteen remarked, noting that White asked few questions due to his extensive preparation.
The Musical Component of the Role
White acknowledged the pressure of portraying such a monumental figure. He explained, “A lot of my energy was going into the musical component of the film.” To truly connect with the character, he learned to sing and play Springsteen’s songs, with a push from Cooper. During a recording session in Nashville, he began to find confidence with the music, feeling closer to Springsteen than ever before.
Gifted a Guitar for Authenticity
- Springsteen gifted White a 1955 Gibson J-200 guitar for his role.
- White took Zoom lessons with session guitarist JD Simo, focusing on just five specific Springsteen songs.
Springsteen’s Perspective on the Film
At 76 years old, Springsteen expressed his carefree attitude towards his work, stating, “Yeah, go ahead. At my age you take more risks.” He appreciated Cooper’s character-driven approach over a traditional musical biopic. As production continued, Springsteen frequently visited the set, often apologizing to White for his presence. He humorously noted, “Damn, when did I get that good-looking?”
White’s Authentic Portrayal
Springsteen felt confident in White’s abilities to capture his introspective moments. He praised White’s performance as non-imitative yet relevant to his own narrative. “His performance was totally from the inside out,” Springsteen commented.
Reflection on Personal History
Recreating his childhood home in Freehold, New Jersey, allowed Springsteen to confront memories of his past. He described the experience as “quite a miracle” and noted its emotional weight as he revisited the themes of vulnerability and strength through the film. Watching an early screening with his sister proved to be a powerful moment for both, emphasizing the significance of their shared memories.
Creating Transcendence Through Performance
Springsteen concluded the evening by sharing his intent with audiences. “You create an ideal world for three hours,” he said, highlighting the blend of life’s complexities presented in his work. He hopes audiences carry an element of transcendence long after the show ends.
As anticipation builds for “Deliver Me From Nowhere,” audiences are eager to see how White brings Springsteen’s story to life through both music and performance.